Most Islanders enjoy entertaining throughout the summer months when the nights are warm and long.  Summer meals usually revolve around the BBQ, alcohol and hopefully vegetable side dishes. If you’re sick of the standard garden salad why not learn how to spice up your salad a bit?

To spruce up the average garden salad experiment with new salad greens .Enjoy mesclun salad green mixes which include: different kinds of lettuces, spicy radicchio, pungent beet greens and tart baby spinach.  Many gourmet mixes also contain herbs such as: parsley, cilantro, mustard greens and basil. Topping salads with fresh sprouts creates a more nutritious dish which is also eye catching.

Dress up your summer salad with a healthy homemade dressing. Traditional chefs use 2/3 parts oil to 1/3 other liquid such as lemon juice or vinegar. If you’re watching your weights reverse the numbers to create a dressing with less oil. This will cut back on fat and calories and increase flavor. Spice up your homemade dressing with fresh or ground spices such as: ginger, cilantro and mint. Sweeten up your dressing with a squirt of honey or pure Canadian maple syrup.

Fresh seasonal fruit, unroasted nuts or seeds, or cheeses taste great on any salad. Why not top garden salads with sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese and strawberries. Spinach salads taste great with walnuts and strawberries.  Spice up the average coleslaw with pineapple and sliced almonds. The tasteful combinations are endless by incorporating variety to your summer salad.

It is best to purchase seasonal produce from a local supplier. This reduces your dietary carbon footprint, and helps your local economy. Check out your local farmers market and purchase organic produce whenever possible. 

Make the most out of your summer months by enjoying a healthy salad with friends and family. Enjoy the bounty of your local produce and feel good about your healthy choices. After all, good health is not only your choice but your own responsibility.